CAP Movie MinistryA ministry of the ChildCare Action Project:Christian Analysis of American Culture (CAP Ministry)www.capalert.com/Entertainment Media Analysis ReportA service to His little ones (which includes at-home teens) through you, their parents and grandparents, in His name by His Word

MAR24SP13 (2004), NR

Analysis Date

CAP Final Score

CAP Influence Density

MinMax

August 15, 2004

85 out of 100

0.27

-63

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This is an unusually long report but I felt the topic to be quite in line with part of the mission of this ministry and gave it the appropriate level of attention to detail.

First, I must clarify that I Do Exist is not entertainment. It is a scientifically factual tool to foster behavioral change. Though this report is titled "Entertainment Media Analysis Report", the CAP Analysis Model is applicable to any system or vehicle which imparts information to an observer which requires the observer to learn, to form an opinion, or which elicits emotion(s) or value judgment(s) in the observer. I Do Exist fits into those parameters.

Second, it must clearly be understood that I am not a licensed counselor or psychologist. All that I say in this Summary/Commentary is just that: commentary born of observations. I am just one who has been studying the impact of media influences on behavior for nearly ten years through analysis of nearly 900 films and by such experience has proven a point which Harvard University published a full four years after we published our finding.

I Do Exist earned a CAP final score of 85 out of 100 which places it in the upper half of the scoring range earned by PG movies (86 to 68 out of 100) in the comparative baseline database, just two points under the scoring range earned by G-rated movies (100 to 87 out of 100). This would seem to make the film "tame" regarding morality content. However, while the Offense to God investigation area earned a score equivalent to the scores earned by PG movies and while each of the Wanton Violence/Crime (W), Impudence/Hate (I), Drugs/Alcohol (D) and Murder/Suicide (M) investigation areas earned the highest scores possible (100 out of 100) indicating clearly G-equivalent content in those investigation areas, the Sexual Immorality investigation area revealed content equivalent in magnitude to some R-rated films (54 and below out of 100). Many PG-rated films have earned investigation area scores of near or below 54 in one or two investigations areas. Thus the content of I Do Exist is consistent with the PG rating by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).

Note that from this point, the use of "homosexuality" is to include homosexuality, lesbianism, transgender, bisexuality and any other non-heterosexual practice. Note also that since the "genre" of this film is providing irrefutable evidence that homosexual practitioners can change to heterosexuality, there is inherently a lot of discussion about the practice of homosexuality. Some even seem to be in defense of the choice to practice homosexuality. Many folks queried on the streets speak to acceptance of the practice of homosexuality. [1Cor. 6:9-10]

In I Do Exist five ex-homosexual practitioners (three men and two women) openly, candidly and politely discuss their successful victory over the bondage to such practice. The fillm compactly and inarguably dispels the notion of "once gay, always gay." It has the potential to become a powerful cultural engine to fully educate victims of the "only-what-we-want-you-to-know" selected information distribution of agenda-driven spinmeisters and cultural engineers.

I Do Exist refreshes the abused and cheapened meaning of "thought-provoking." The film points directly at the heart of identity. It addresses (with apologies to Mrs. Roosevelt) that feelings may not be a choice but acting on those feelings is a choice.

I Do Exist also enables a more vital focus by showing the homosexual practitioner as a separate entity from the practice of homosexuality. Such a perspective is certainly parallel to how God separates the sinner from the sin: that we are each precious to Him but some of our behaviors are not. As it was sung by Ray Boltz in Shepherd Boy, "When others see a shepherd boy, God may see a king", let us take example and see the person in the homosexual practitioner.

I Do Exist further dispels the notion that the one who chooses to practice homosexuality is born to do so, clearly identifying factually that such behavior is not an innate trait such as race and eye color but is a choice to act on feelings.

A choice to act on feelings? Some folks claim to have same sex attraction (SSA) with sexual gratification as the goal. But the reality of it all is clearly revealed in I Do Exist as it explains that having same sex attractions is not being "gay", that acting on same sex attractions is, thus fortifying the fact that practicing homosexuality is a choice. This goes hand in hand with what I have been trying to share with everyone for years, that every single non-autonomic movement of the human body is a choice. No exceptions. No debate.

One of the comments of the narrator speaks to some believing that homosexuality might be God-given aspect of humanity. To think the practice of homosexuality can be a God-given aspect of humanity when God condemns such practice is vain. [Jude 1:7]

Though this film is certainly not entertainment in the strictest sense but is rather a powerful persuasion tool using facts to foster behavioral change, by nearly ten years of experience in analysis of more than 900 films and by over 12 years of experience providing 24-7 care for 31 kids (29 foster kids and adopting eight of them, soon to be nine), I have found that the use of undesirable behaviors on-screen as a contrast teaching tool to teach children how not to behave may instead plant ideas of how to misbehave with undesirable behaviors whether manifesting as the manner of behavior as that observed or not. Put another way, demonstrating aberrant behavior to children to teach them how not to behave may teach them how to not behave. Even reading this report carries such a risk. All I am suggesting is that you consider such potential implantation before you opt to show this film to children hoping it might prevent homosexuality. Showing heinous bloody gore to pre-driving age children hoping it would stop reckless driving did not stop or even abate reckless driving. Likewise, showing children the "gore" of the immense hold that practicing homosexuality has on the victim may, invisibly to you, suggest such practice to the child and suggest it with your tacit approval as an inevitable function of you (the authority figure) showing the film to the child.

Now for the sermon! While this film does quietly speak to the sinfulness of practicing homosexuality, what the film does not address is that sinful also are heterosexual practices outside of marriage. Indeed, all of God's admonitions against sexual immorality, hetero- or homosexual, may be summed up as any sexual contact (including visual), conduct or activity outside of a monogamous heterosexual marriage is sinful. So, if you are involved with helping a practitioner of homosexuality break the bondage to such practice or helping steer the curious away, be mindful that participating in unmarried heterosexual activity is sinful as well. Note that I Do Exist does not suggest in any way the use of heterosexual activities as therapy for the homosexual practitioner who wishes to change. I just bring it up to address the curbstone notion that suggesting heterosexual activity will "cure" the homosexual practitioner.

In all ways that we interface, voluntarily or involuntarily, with they who choose to practice homosexuality we must remember that s/he who chooses to do so is as precious to Jesus as everyone else. It is some of our behavior -- the deed not the doer -- which He hates. No matter what Fred Phelps says, God does not hate they who choose to practice homosexuality. While we must not hate they who choose to practice homosexuality, we do not have to be tolerant of the deed to be tolerant of the doer. We do not have to embrace the deed as we embrace the doer. We do not have to "accept" the deed to accept the doer. We do not have to participate in or encourage the deed to "reach" the doer. To do so would be to encourage the doer to practice his/her deed which would be a sin on ourselves. [1 John 2:10] And we do not have to "turn the other cheek" if such practitioners try to proselytize our loved ones.

Jesus NEVER demonstrated sin OR tolerated it OR participated in it OR embraced sinful deeds OR encouraged us to sin to teach us about sin. And Jesus was never afraid to call a sin a sin or a sinner a sinner. To stick our heads in the sand about the sin of homosexuality is also a sin on ourselves. We must love the practitioner enough to have the guts to tell him/her the Truth, gently and compassionately but firmly without shame in or fear of doing so. We must tell God's Truth, not ours. God forgives sin but does not "excuse" sin. Anything we do that is sinful is still sinful if we repeat it even after we are forgiven of it. This point will come more clear below.

To extend this valuable point even further (to add to the sermon), recall how Jesus dealt with the prostitute and with prostitution. [John 8:3 - 11] It is a guide in how to deal with the practitioner of homosexuality and the practice of homosexuality: two separate entities.

The prostitute was caught in the act. By the law of the day, she was to be stoned to death. When Jesus was asked of this, He told the men with the stones that the one without sin may cast the first stone. Slowly, all the men, older ones first, dropped their stones and walked away. Jesus then asked the woman where were her executioners and she told Him they were gone. Jesus then told her that since none of the men condemned her, "then neither do I condemn thee." Jesus forgave the sin of the prostitute but note that He did not excuse it. Truly Jesus did not argue the judgment, did not argue the law and did not excuse the sin. What He argued was our right to execute the woman when we are all as guilty of sin as she. Not only did Jesus not excuse the sin of prostitution, He reminded her of the sin of it by telling her to "Go, and sin no more."

Prostitution is just as sinful now, after Jesus forgave the prostitute of it, as it was before He forgave her -- the sin has not been excused. Likewise, just because we are almost forced by the world to "excuse" and even embrace the practice of homosexuality and reject God's Word about it, God's has not excused it. Just as Jesus forgave the prostitute without excusing the sin of prostitution, He will forgive the sin of practicing homosexuality but He will not excuse it. If we do them again, it is just as sinful as the first time. The first time of a sin does not excuse the second time nor does the second time excuse the third ... nor the thousandth. And the thousandth does not excuse the first. We should ask forgiveness every day, even for the sins we do not realize we commit.

Where am I going with this? Since you've asked, I'll tell you. The price of sin is death (spiritual death - eternity in Hell, separate from God). Once we are forgiven by Jesus and are saved by His Sacrifice, all our sins are forgiven: past, present, future. We are still accountable for our sins after Salvation but at least the price we will have to pay after Salvation will not be eternity in Hell. The price may be loss of rewards in Heaven or some other matter entirely up to Jesus. But if we ask forgiveness every day, we are covered. Simple, huh? Won't you give somber thought to inviting the Savior into your heart believing in faith that by His death and Resurrection you may be given eternal life in Paradise? Write to me if you want to know more.

Churches: Be a part of an effort to get the truth about change out to your people. During the weekend of October 10, churches, colleges and Christian schools all over the country will be showing the film I Do Exist. Some are using it as an outreach to the community and some as an inreach to their own people. The purpose is to raise awareness concerning the option for living consistently with traditional Christian teaching concerning sexuality. October 11 is National Coming Out Day when gay political groups such as the Human Rights Campaign broadcast the false message that the only healthy response to same sex attractions is to come out as homosexual. By showing I Do Exist, groups can

raise the awareness of the truth about having same sex attractions does NOT make one homoseuxal unless the attractions are acted upon

raise the awareness of the truth about the real chance of leaving the homosexual lifestyle

make their constituents aware of resources for help.

Reproducible materials are available for those groups that use the contact information below to request them.

SCRIPTURAL APPLICATION(S)
If needed to focus or fortify, applicable text is underlined or bracketed [ ] or bold. If you wish to have full context available, the Blue Letter Bible is a convenient source. If you use the Blue Letter Bible, a new window will open. Close it to return here or use "Window" in your browser's menu bar to alternate between the CAP page and the Blue Letter Bible page.

CHAPTER/VERSE

1Cor. 6:9-10 Do you not know that the [unforgiven] wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the [hetero]sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Jude 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire [if unforgiven]. ["Flesh" is sarx: the sensuous nature of man. "Going after strange flesh" when applied to Sodom and Gomorrha is the practice of (the "going after") homosexuality (of "strange flesh") and other non-heterosexual practices.]

1 John 2:10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light [metaph. light of the Word], and there is none occasion of stumbling [offense: nothing done to cause his brother to sin] in him.

John 8:3 - 11 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? John 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

***Selected Scriptures of Armour against the influence of the entertainment industry***

Ps. 12:8 The wicked freely strut about [e.g., create progressively vile/offensive entertainment with impunity and no consequences and present it to younger and younger audiences every year] when what is vile is honored among men [when enough people continue to defend it, embrace it, pay for it, enjoy it, want it, submit to it. I call attention to Ps. 12:8 to warn of the creeping desensitizing power of "entertainment."]

Col. 2:8 Beware lest any man [by his influence] spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

1 Cor. 15:33 (KJV) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (NIV) Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.

Rom. 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

Jude 4 For certain men* whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change [warp, distort, falsely represent, situationally redefine, counterfeit, conditionally apply] the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. [*men: anthropos {anth'-ro-pos}, generic, a human being, whether male or female]

Matt. 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto [or for] one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto [or for] me.

Luke 17:2 It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. [cause by teaching or example]

a still photo of half-dressed male in a pose of suggested enticement for homosexual practitioners

a homosexual/lesbian parade

Drugs/Alcohol (D):

none noted

Offense to God (O)

images of sinful services (porn shops, etc.)

speaking that some feel that homosexuality might be "God-given" aspect of humanity

commentary of an individual suggesting counterfeiting of God's Word to excuse the practice of homosexuality

Murder/Suicide (M)

none noted

YOUR LINK HERE?

YOUR LINK HERE?

YOUR LINK HERE?

There are some in the entertainment industry who maintain that 1) violent programming is harmless because no studies exist that prove a connection between violent entertainment and aggressive behavior in children, and 2) young people know that television, movies, and video games are simply fantasy. Unfortunately, they are wrong on both accounts." And "Viewing violence may lead to real life violence." I applaud these associations for fortifying 1 Cor. 15:33. Read the rest of the story. From our more than eight years of study, I contend that other aberrant behaviors, attitudes, and expressions can be inserted in place of "violence" in that statement. Our Director - Child Psychology Support, a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist concurs. For example, "Viewing arrogance against fair authority may lead to your kids defying you in real life." Or "Viewing sex may lead to sex in real life." Likewise and especially with impudence, hate and foul language. I further contend that any positive behavior can be inserted in place of "violence" with the same chance or likelihood of being a behavior template for the observer; of being incorporated into the behavior mechanics and/or coping skills of the observer. In choosing your entertainment, please consider carefully the "rest of the story" and our findings.

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